Hamel property suit defendant files answer to complaint

Defendant Jeffrey Cummings on Dec. 8 filed a one-page answer to a complaint filed against him, denying allegations that he dishonored his lease agreement with his landlord and left him with more than $40,000 in costs.

Anthony Kemper, owner of a Hamel property, filed the complaint Oct. 25 in Madison County Circuit Court against Cummings.

Cummings requested a non-jury trial in his answer to the complaint.

Kemper claims he was forced to incur clean-up costs of nearly $2,000 and lost the potential for rental payments of more than $34,000 after Cummings suddenly moved out of Kemper's Hamel home in July.

Kemper claims he was notified via text message of Cummings's decision to move out on July 31, which violated the lease agreement.

When he learned of Cummings's decision, Kemper asked Cummings to meet him for a walk-through at 3 p.m. on July 31. About 1 p.m., Cummings texted Kemper, telling him he had already left the property, the suit states.

When Kemper arrived at the property, he was shocked to see its "deplorable" condition, the complaint says.

Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla was assigned to the case.

Ryan A. Kemper of Stinson, Morrison and Hecker in St. Louis will be representing Kemper.